wanting to set timing on 77 350 w/carb with vaccum gauge. read and heard a few different things and ways..... ideas... thanks

ps timing tab is gone anyways

 

you can set your timing with the vacuum method..
your car should be making around 9 - 14 PSI.. with a moderate cam
disconnect you advance.. and set your timing with the most vacuum without pinging
your still guesstimating.. I would leave the gauge on turn toward the windshield and do part a full throttle runs
you can always purchase a bolt on TAB

 

Yay to the bolt on tab. Be sure to check your balancer though. Some carlines and most trucks had the timing tab at 12 o'clock. If you have a balancer for one of these applications, the timing mark wont line up with a bolt on tab. The vacuum method will work, mostly following the ping part of the method. Advance til you hear pinging then back off two degrees. The vacuum reading will vary greatly depending on your cam, fuel mixture, exhaust back pressure, engine mechanical condition. Thats why we set timing with a light.